The Malta Motorsport Federation’s president Tonio Cini has warned of the potential increase in fatal accidents if people are allowed to ride 125cc motorcycles without the proper training.
The government proposed in the 2016 budget that all Category B license holders should automatically be allowed to ride a 125cc bike.
Mr Cini expressed his belief that all car license holders wishing to ride a 125cc motorcycle should undertake a mandatory training course.
Replying to questions by The Malta Independent, Mr Cini said it cannot be taken for granted that everyone who has a car license is capable of riding a 125cc bike.
“Every driver must be strictly assessed by competent instructors, otherwise we would be compromising the safety of other road users or the rider themselves,” Mr Cini said.
The MMF has been promoting Road Safety for several years as part of the FIA Action for Road Safety campaign.
“Drivers who already have a Category 'B' license and opt to ride a 125cc scooter with this new government initiative as their alternative daily mean of transport, must take a mandatory training before allowed to do so.
“Details of such mandatory training are still at a preliminary stage and must be agreed upon between the concerned authorities and all stakeholders, but for sure, drivers must clearly show that they are capable of controlling a scooter. In the absence of such skills, the MMF believes that drivers must follow the full mandatory bike training lessons followed by a final practical exam to be allowed to take the ride of a scooter.”
“In conclusion, we believe that this is a step in the right direction that will help to reduce traffic congestion, but for sure it is not the only solution. This initiative must not be taken at the risk of having drivers will less riding skills venturing around the roads.
“In such case, this will increase the risks of fatal accidents. The federation, as an active member of the Transport Malta Road Safety Council, will voice its concerns during these council meetings, and will seek that together with all council members will plan a Road Safety campaign mainly to create more awareness and educate road users how to respect and share the road.”